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Wisdom tooth pain is no joke.
If you are dealing with swelling, jaw pain, or that unmistakable throbbing in the back of your mouth, your wisdom teeth might be the source of the trouble.
In this blog, we will explain what causes wisdom tooth pain, what you can do to relieve it, and when it might be time to see an oral surgeon.
Table of Contents
- Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Pain
- Common Causes of Wisdom Tooth Pain
- How to Relieve Wisdom Tooth Pain
- Treatment Options for Wisdom Tooth Pain
- Preventive Measures for Wisdom Tooth Pain
- When to See an Oral Surgeon
- Book an Appointment With Our Skilled Oral Surgeon in Deer Park, IL
Key Takeaway
Wisdom tooth pain happens when there is not enough space for the tooth to grow properly, which leads to infections, swelling, or pressure on nearby teeth. You can get some relief by rinsing with warm saltwater, applying ice packs to the face, or taking OTC pain relievers. However, to get permanent relief, they may need to be removed.
Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Pain
The pain can range from mild discomfort to intense pain.
If your wisdom teeth are causing problems, you might notice the following symptoms:
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums around the wisdom teeth.
- Jaw pain that radiates to other areas of your face or neck.
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully or chewing.
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth due to trapped food particles or gum infections.
- Persistent pain or throbbing in the back of your mouth.
These symptoms can indicate issues like gum infections, tooth decay, or impacted wisdom teeth.
Common Causes of Wisdom Tooth Pain
There are a few reasons why your wisdom tooth might be giving you grief.
1. Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth grow at odd angles or lack sufficient space, they can become partially or fully trapped under the gum tissue.
2. Infections and Gum Disease
Food particles and harmful germs can become trapped around wisdom teeth, leading to gum infections or systemic infections.
3. Tooth Decay and Damage to Neighboring Teeth
Poor alignment can cause crowding issues, increasing the risk of tooth decay or damage to adjacent teeth.
4. Cysts and Jaw Bone Issues
In rare cases, cysts can form around impacted wisdom teeth, affecting the jaw bone and neighboring teeth.
How to Relieve Wisdom Tooth Pain
You can usually manage pain with a few simple steps.
At-Home Remedies
- Saltwater rinse: Mix a teaspoon of salt with warm water to reduce swelling and harmful bacteria.
- Ice packs: Use an ice pack to the outside of your jaw to reduce swelling and numb pain..
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
- Non-prescription pain relievers can reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief.
Dietary Adjustments
- Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, or scrambled eggs. Avoid crunchy, spicy, or sticky foods that can irritate the area.
Treatment Options for Wisdom Tooth Pain
If your symptoms persist, seek professional treatment for lasting relief.
1. Wisdom Teeth Removal
- Surgical removal of wisdom teeth is often the best option for relieving severe pain and preventing long-term issues.
2. Antibiotics and Oral Care
- For infections, your oral surgeon may prescribe antibiotics and antimicrobial mouthwash to address active infections and promote healing.
3. Orthodontic Treatment
- If crowding issues are affecting your teeth, orthodontic treatment may be necessary to align your bite after extraction.
Preventive Measures for Wisdom Tooth Pain
Take care of your oral health to avoid problems with your teeth.
- Brush and floss regularly, especially around the back of your mouth, to remove harmful germs and food particles.
- Use a saltwater rinse as a preventative measure to keep your gums healthy.
- Visit your oral health professional for regular check-ups to identify potential issues early.
When to See an Oral Surgeon
Persistent pain or swelling is your body’s way of saying something is wrong.
You should schedule a consultation with an oral surgeon if you experience:
- Severe pain that does not respond to home remedies or over-the-counter pain medications.
- Signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or pus near your wisdom teeth.
- Difficulty chewing or speaking due to jaw pain.
- Damage to neighboring teeth or recurrent infections.
Book an Appointment With Our Skilled Oral Surgeon in Deer Park, IL
If you are struggling with wisdom tooth pain, we can help.
Contact Oral Facial & Implant Center in Deer Park, IL, to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward relief.
To book an appointment at our oral surgeons office in Deer Park, IL, call (847) 381-0106 or complete the online inquiry form. We are located at 21660 W. Field Parkway, Suite 220, Deer Park, IL.
